Information Processing Models


Memory Based Model (Zaller)
  • Receive, Accept, Sample (RAS) model
  • Considerations are processed and stored in memory
  • These considerations are called "to the top of the head" for response
  • More accessible considerations carry more weight in response


Online Model (Lodge et al)
  • Opinions are formed and updated "on the fly"
  • When new information about an object is encountered, the opinion is updated and stored in memory
  • Updated opinion is retained, not necessarily the information that shaped it.